Modern Day Love Letter
Hello, my peeps. Isn’t it a LOVEly day? You might say it’s a LOVEly week. In fact, this is the time of the year most committed to LOVE. I speak of February 14th, of course, a day that’s been reserved to honor fertility rituals, massacres, a few martyrs named Valentine, and the Hallmark Channel.
The earliest known Valentine card was reportedly written by an imprisoned Duke to his wife in 1415. And if you think this day is over-commercialized, please be sure to seek out the descendants of Esther Howland to lodge your complaint. She is commonly credited with the first commercialization of paper Valentines sometime in the 1800’s.
But I didn’t drag you all the way to my website to discuss the history of Valentine’s Day. I want to ask you to write a Love Letter. Don’t panic. You’re not required to be an amazing writer (though proper spelling is important, since suite liver is a tad less endearing than sweet lover).
“But, Dave, I don’t have a significant other to address a love letter to. And honestly, all the hoopla surrounding this one day each year makes me feel left out.”
That’s okay. You don’t need to have a romantic partner in your life to compose said letter of affection. In fact, you’re a big reason I’m writing this post today. Heck, I’m married, and even I disagree with the concept of expressing one’s love only on this single day each year. Why not express our love every day? That being said, I still see February 14th as a fun opportunity for all of us to celebrate love. If you shift your perspective and adjust your lens, I feel like anyone can have some fun as well.
Bearing this in mind, I officially challenge you to find something you love and compose a brief letter to rejoice in that feeling. The object of your affection could be a favorite pet, that special family member, a hobby, some longtime friends, and most important of all: yourself. These are all worthy of your expression of love.
Once you’ve written this masterpiece, slap it onto your fridge as a reminder, then get out there and do something fun for yourself!
Take your pet on an adventure or buy them a new toy to play with.
Go catch dinner and a movie with that special relative.
Buy better quality materials for your hobby, you know, the ones you normally dismiss as being too expensive.
Hang out in your pajamas with your best friends and try takeout from a new place as you play board games.
Or, leave all that for another time and treat yourself to your version of a perfect day.
Get a massage, check out a museum, curl up with a good book (I can help you with that last one😉).
You’re in control, so leave all those negative Valentine’s vibes behind and go wild!
Oh, and my personal love letter? That’ll take some time to write, since I have a lot of love in me for a lot of reasons, but I’ll start with the greatest one: My sweet Jeannie-Girl. She has taught me what unconditional love truly means. Through her eyes, I see what really matters in this world. She’s even taught me to believe in myself, which is not easy! And sure, we try to do something special on February 14th, but it’s merely an extension of the love we show each other each and every day.
Look, whether you’re with someone, wish you were, or could care less either way, try to be content with your current situation. Find love where you can and embrace it! Like those four mildly-famous British lads once crooned, all you need is love. And maybe ice cream. Like a whole pint. Cherry Garcia, anyone?
Thanks for taking time out of your busy week to hang with me. I love trying to keep you entertained while we explore new perspectives together. Leave me a comment below, or email it to me. It would be great to learn more about your thoughts. Heck, why not ask a friend or two to join in the fun?
Until next time, whatever you are, show some love and be a good one!
-Dave
